Rick Snyder on Abortion

Vetoed total abortion ban; signed abortion restrictions

Perhaps the most defining moment in Rick Snyder's tenure came when the Legislature voted for Right to Life's (RTL) initiative banning abortion coverage in standard health care plans, with no exceptions for rape, incest or the mother's life. Last year,
Snyder put his foot down and vetoed legislation doing just that. He's always said social issues aren't on his agenda, but he's tried to work with RTL.

The governor did sign highly controversial legislation to restrict abortion that's likely to shut
down providers. But that wasn't good enough for RTL. They saw an opportunity with GOP majorities in the House and Senate. So they launched a petition drive for the abortion insurance ban, which, it should be noted, is an interesting interpretation
of free market principles. After collecting more than 300,000 signatures, the measure went before the Legislature and passed this month. It cuts the governor completely out of the process--his signature isn't required; this is now the law of the land.

Signed partial-birth abortion ban into law

Legislation banning the procedure referred to as partial-birth abortion was signed into law. Michigan people have repeatedly spoken on this issue and this legislation reaffirms the value of human life. This brings Michigan in line with federal law.

SB 160 prohibits partial-birth abortion except when necessary to protect the life of the mother. HB 4110 makes performing a partial-birth abortion or assisting in the procedure a felony. A woman who undergoes the procedure would not face criminal charges

Make partial-birth abortion a criminal offense

Legislative Summary:The partial-birth abortion ban act: An individual who knowingly performs a partial-birth abortion and kills a human fetus is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to
2 years, or a fine up to $50,000.00, or both. It is not a violation if, in the physician's reasonable medical judgment, a partial-birth abortion is necessary to save the life of a mother whose life.
The spouse of the mother at the time of the partial-birth abortion, or either parent of the mother if the mother has not attained the age of 18, may file a civil action against the physician.

Firmly pro-life, which begins at conception

Q: You've said that you're pro-life?

A: I am firmly pro-life. I understand that this is a very personal and passionate issue for many of us. At the same time, in today's society it has become a very divisive issue.
Good people can and have drawn different conclusions. I have a strong belief in the value of human life, which I believe begins at conception and includes human embryos.

Source: Campaign website, rickformichigan.com, "FAQ"
, Nov 2, 2010

Embryos are human life; but support stem cell initiative

Q: You've said that you're pro-life, but why did you support the stem cell initiative and how do you reconcile the two?

A: I have a strong belief in the value of human life, which I believe begins at conception and includes human embryos.
I also believe that the sanctity of life should be upheld. As I struggled with my personal choice on this issue, I ultimately decided that stem cell research and its possible life-giving potential would be a better alternative than discarding unused
embryos. It is also my hope that scientific advances in the use of adult stem cells will soon make embryonic stem cell research unnecessary. I understand that not everyone can agree with my position on this issue.
Ultimately, the voters have decided this issue and as Governor I would uphold the voters' wishes, regardless of my personal opinion. As Governor, my primary focus would be on the economy.

The Christian Coalition voter guide [is] one of the most powerful tools Christians have ever had to impact our society during elections. This simple tool has helped educate tens of millions of citizens across this nation as to where candidates for public office stand on key faith and family issues.

The CC survey summarizes candidate stances on the following topic: "Prohibiting human embryonic stem cell research". [Supporting this statement means the candidate would ban such research; opposing it means the candidate would allow such research].

The Christian Coalition voter guide [is] one of the most powerful tools Christians have ever had to impact our society during elections. This simple tool has helped educate tens of millions of citizens across this nation as to where candidates for public office stand on key faith and family issues.

The CC survey summarizes candidate stances on the following topic:"Public funding of abortions, (such as govt. health benefits and Planned Parenthood)"